Just moved - ideas please!

9 years ago

Hi everyone,

We've just moved into this 1970s house and I know there are lots of other similar posts about adding kerb appeal, but I'm so impressed with all your ideas, I thought I could pick everyone's brains about ours. Since we moved in 5 weeks ago we have added outside lighting and plan to gravel the drive and add big wooden gates.
We are also wondering whether replacing the narrow window on the left would help, which is a small office.

At the moment funds are fairly limited but I'd be interested to hear any thoughts, big or small.

Thanks in advance!!!

Featured Answer

minnie101

9 years ago

Congratulations on the new house! Everything looks very well kept so it is appealing anyway particularly with the hills out the back! Painting the door and garage is a quick fix whether you want it in grey/black to give a contemporary look or something that blends more with the brick. Increasing the size of the window would be great. I would also cut back the shrubbery to the right of the door a little and perhaps have some kind of bench on the lawn? Maybe consider matching the picket fence to whichever paint colour you choose or a green to blend with the plants and lawn. Longer term maybe add an arched window over the front door? I'm not sure how much light the house gets. It could look great with a double door and a fully glazed panel to the right. I wouldn't render the house personally, maintenance and upkeep is dear. I can't draw for toffee but a pic of the house with a larger window and arched window

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Comments (11)

r1haz
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you so much for all of your ideas. I love the idea of an arched window, and really appreciate the time it must have taken you to draw it.
The shrub at the side of the door is a Camelia, which is just flowering. Think I will trim it back later in the year though.

Thanks again!
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r1haz
Original Author
9 years ago
Have been mulling over the idea of painting the front door. Does anyone have experience of painting a composite door? What do they paint like and what's the best sort to use?

Would love a new oak front door but, with everything else that needs doing, our funds just won't stretch that far.

Thanks,

X
PRO
User
9 years ago
Limited funds and you are thinking about painting the front door? What are you going to achieve by painting any white surface without painting all of the others?

There is so much about the picture of that house that I like. The brick really fits the setting. I'm not even convinced the arched window suggested by minnie101 would add anything. The wicket fencing and gate make the statement of what a nice, safe place to live. It is one of the very few examples of a 1970s house that I genuinely like, with no inclination to bulldoze it and start again.

OK, the little slat of a window to let more natural light in and add a little something to the exterior appearance maybe. Change the gravel drive for another gravel drive? Why?

You haven't shown us enough of the entrance to comment on big wooden gates (or not).

r1haz, it appears to me that you want to make your mark on this lovely house. Please think long and hard before doing so in haste. You will have a very long time to dwell on your regret if you get it wrong and look at the before and after pictures from time to time.
r1haz
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for your comments - they have really made me think. You are right about the White and painting only the door wouldn't gain anything. Think I might stick to painting the fence as, as you say, I might be in danger of making changes needlessly just to make our mark!

As for the drive and entrance - what you can't see in the pic is the very narrow entrance which has already damaged a wing mirror! Therefore we want to widen this part and replace the small, bent old black gates with a wooden 5 bar gate. The drive as it is now is Tarmac, and we've always quite fancied a gravel driveway!

Thanks again. I've just discovered this app and am fascinated to see everyone's ideas and read your thoughts....
minnie101
9 years ago
I would have a look at images of painted front doors to see if this is what you would like, at the end of the day is everything is down to personal taste. Having windows a different colour to the front door has been around for hundreds of years and is not just a current trend (I clearly can't say the same about a garage door!). Given your post I assume you are not 100% happy with the exterior. It is always easier to identify what you don't like by looking at photos of your house. Keep looking at these to identify any problems areas and research potential solutions properly. Sketch out what you want before trying or use a design tool. The house and garden has kerb appeal in any case especially with the tele tubby hills!
PRO
User
9 years ago
That explanation helps us to help you! Thank you. Please post a picture of the drive entrance. Who knows, somebody may come up with a better idea than the one you have.

Gravel driveways can be more of a nuisance than a blessing so consider the various ways of achieving one. Two alternatives, and there may be more, are:
i) put a layer of bitumen over the tarmac to which the gravel will adhere, giving a reasonably tight surface rather than having loose gravel with a varying topology and skid qualities not to be admired;
ii) take a look at Luke Sargent's take on using Nidagravel, a tough hexagonal holding casement for it, http://landscapehub.co.uk/group/tricks-of-the-trade/forum/topics/gravel-footpaths-using-nidagravel?xg_source=activity
r1haz
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks again minnie101 and Freshscaped ltd. your comments have been really helpful and I'll certainly take a look at that website and keep looking at the photo to consider what I want to
Change. All that brick at the front us something we would like to tackle longer term, so might consider the window.

Thanks again.
smoore999
9 years ago
Hi, I would try a bench with tallish planters either side below the narrow window first, it might make it seem like less of an expanse of brick wall without the cost of a new window, but choose carefully so that you get a chunky bench with good height. Or go for a wicker duo seat with a decent seat back height? Ideally you want something in proportion with the width of the window, if you don't like it there at last you can use it elsewhere and expense is minimal.
Plus it'd move your current two planters to each side of garage. as they are a bit spindly/lost against the large brick area. Good luck with planning and making your changes!
PRO
Kestrel Home Improvements
9 years ago
We could create some great ideas to totally transform your property by redesigning your windows.
If you would like a free consultation please get in touch on 01634241236 or check our website www.kestrelhi.co.uk
Jonathan
9 years ago
when you have funds to properly tackle the outside you can do all sorts. Personally I would extend forward and create extra square footage while you are changing the front.
Short term the only thing I might change is the high window and replace it with something deeper

Just moved - ideas please!

minnie101

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Just moved - ideas please!

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